The works, part of the Transcend series, will be in the Numen Lumen Pavilion for the next two years.
The Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life is hosting several large-format oil paintings, part of the Transcend Series by trans artist Rae Senarighi, to the Numen Lumen Pavilion.
Thee colorful pieces, on loan to Elon University for the next four years, celebrate trans and nonbinary individuals through vibrant and affirming portraiture. Truitt Center leaders say the temporary addition of these pieces to the university’s collection underscores a commitment to the recognition and celebration of diverse religious and spiritual identities.
This exhibit was brought to Elon as part of the Truitt Center’s Spirit and Pride initiative, which seeks to highlight and uplift the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identities and spirituality, in partnership with the Gender and LGBTQIA Center and the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society.
Spirit and Pride Intern Aeiris Faloni believes having these works on campus will make a huge impact.
“Having this art hung in the Numen Lumen Pavilion makes me feel seen, heard, and at home,” Faloni said. “It gives us an opportunity to appreciate queer joy, and spark deeper conversations about gender and sexuality. It encourages those interested to ask questions, and learn more about the intersectionality of religion and queerness.”
“Art has the power to spark conversation, foster empathy, and build a more understanding world,” said Hillary Zaken, director of multifaith programming and engagement, who coordinated the effort to bring the art to Elon. “Our hope is that this art can expand perspectives on religious and spiritual diversity while celebrating those who may not have always been welcome in traditional religious spaces.”
The two portraits that will be displayed at the Numen Lumen Pavilion are:
- Aodhán (48” x 60”): A two-spirit trans man deeply connected to his Scottish and Native American heritage. According to the Truitt Center, Aodhán is a gifted artist and craftsman who hand makes spiritual items for ceremonial use; his portrait captures the rich interweaving of cultural and spiritual traditions that shape his identity and artistic practice.
- Ceraun (48” x 48”): A self-described multimedia artist and philosopher, Ceraun’s creative practice spans video, photography, poetry and performance, all grounded in a deeply spiritual foundation. Their portrait reflects their expansive artistic vision and the way their work serves as a profound exploration of identity and meaning.
“The inclusion of Rae Senarighi’s Transcend portraits in the Numen Lumen Pavilion affirms the sacredness of our identities in their full intersectional expression,” said University Champlain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement Kristin Boswell. “Reflecting Elon’s multifaith values and commitment to inclusion, these works invite reflection on how authenticity and visibility foster belonging and liberation.”
The works will be prominently displayed on the first floor of the Numen Lumen Pavilion for the coming two years. Additional locations across campus are also being considered to ensure these pieces reach a wide audience during the time they are on loan to the University.
The Artist’s Vision: Representation and Connection
Rae Senarighi’s Transcend Series was born out of a profound realization—he had never seen someone who looked like him in a museum portrait gallery. Determined to change that, Senarighi began creating vibrant, large-scale paintings of trans and nonbinary individuals, capturing not just their likeness but their spirit.
“In my experience as a cancer survivor, I have become starkly aware of life’s fragility and its equal preciousness,” said Senarighi. “When I paint, I let go of judgment and cynicism and tap into what I believe is my true essence—my soul.”
This deeply personal approach informs his work, creating portraits that radiate life, dignity and resilience. Senarighi describes his artistic practice as an offering—an opportunity to provide public representation for trans and nonbinary communities, ensuring that people of all identities see themselves reflected in public spaces.
“My hope is that people walk away from viewing these portraits with a shared understanding that trans folks are just people,” he explained. “We have been used as a political tool of division in national politics for many years, and it’s harmful and painful to see happening. I hope that when people look into the faces of my portraits, they see themselves reflected too—that any preconditioned prejudice or ignorance is interrupted and that some softness, empathy, and understanding come through instead.”
Faloni concurs: “As a Spirit and Pride intern, and as an artist myself, being able to celebrate trans artists and display their unique work encourages me to dive into my own personal expression and creativity. I can’t wait to see how these works light up the pavilion and their viewers.”
Representation Matters
For many, seeing these portraits displayed in a public space is a powerful experience.
“It is deeply impactful to see faces and bodies like ours as beautiful and revered,” said Senarighi. “Trans and nonbinary folks deserve to see accurate and celebratory reflections of themselves just as the rest of the world does.”
For Luis H. Garay, director of the Gender and LGBTQIA Center, and one of the campus partners responsible for bringing the art to Elon, this kind of collaboration is critical.
“We are excited to be in collaboration with the Truitt Center to bring Rae Senarighi’s work to the Elon University community,” said Garay. “This collaboration is important to honor people’s multiple and intersecting identities including gender identity, sexual orientation, and religious/spiritual identity. The artwork is incredibly beautiful and breathtaking. I hope many come out to see the works in person!”
The Truitt Center and the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society, both housed in the Numen Lumen Pavilion, are committed to ensuring that its space reflects the rich diversity of religious and spiritual experiences.
Expanding the Conversation
As part of ongoing efforts to deepen engagement with these artworks, the Truitt Center is exploring opportunities for programming connected to their themes. Senarighi has generously offered to participate in a virtual artist talk, which is expected to align with Trans Day of Visibility.
Collaborators for this exhibit include the Gender & LGBTQIA Center, the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education, the Art History department and the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program.